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Memories of Walker

Posted on July 28th, 2008Shawn26 comments

I’m taking some time away from my usual posts and rants, to write up my thoughts on our fallen buddy, Walker.

Walker was a 1 year old Boston Terrier / English Bulldog mix, who was especially loved by all the kids in the family. No one loved him more than his daddy, Kevin. Always full of energy, Walker would always be the puppy that would run up to people and jump, hoping to play. Though, after some amazing training and love, Walker learned that jumping up wasn’t the way to win friends.

With all his training, this puppy figured out how to be full of energy and still controlled. I remember Walker and how well he interacted with my son and daughter. The three of them would throw balls, run after each other, but still respect each other. It was so much fun to see them all play together…no one got hurt, no one got scared (expect my daughter a little, but she’s like that with everyone, person or puppy). I will truly miss those moments.

I will always have the memory of Walker inside his little play yard, and my daughter outside, as they figured out a way to communicate. She would make her impressions of puppy sounds and he would imitate….and vise-versa. You had to be there to appreciate it. “woof, woof, grrr.”

Although this is a tribute to Walker, none of this would have been so if it weren’t for Kevin who spent more than a year being a wonderful parent to this little guy. It’s very rare to see someone take so much care and pride in a household pet, Kevin truly is the exception. When Walker was a little puppy and had lot’s of stomach issues, Kevin would be taking Walker to the vet, giving him his meds, feeding him what the vet’s suggested…and most importantly, loving Walker. On better days, Kevin would take Walker to the beach and to the park to let him run off some energy. Kevin was and is a wonderful parent.

Anyone who has spent time near Walker, knows that he was loved like a family member. Although some may laugh about it, Kevin’s mom made a special birthday cake on Walker’s first birthday, and the whole extended family came over to sing. I’m sure Walker didn’t know what was going on, but it shows that he wasn’t just the family pet, he was a family member. You know, since the extended family has birthday celebrations so often, now that I think of it, Walker probably did know that we were celebrating him.

Well, little Walker, you weren’t around long enough for us to fully appreciate you….but know that we loved you and will miss you. In your short time, know that you made a lasting impression on the family and people around. We are sad that you are gone, though we will keep you alive with our memories.

26 responses to “Memories of Walker”

Some times I wonder if Walker thought Olivia was actually another dog as she crawled around the floor. I loved the way he would look at her when she would growl and bark at him; with his head to the side and a bit confused. It was too cute!

Walker was a beautiful dog with a great personality. I loved playing soccer with him in the backyard. He was loved by all. We will never forget him.

I loved how Kelli would try and pet Walker and then as he turned around, she would jump with her shocked face and tongue hanging out! “No Walker down that’s my Mommy,” she would yell if he came near me.

I’ll never forget how excited we all were when Kevin brought him home, what a tiny puppy he was, but not for long.

He was a fun dog who loved being around people. I had fun playing with his little rope tug toy.

I will never forget the first time I went to see Walker and all the baby talk I heard the guys talking to him! I heard it everytime whether it was Walker hanging out, being at parties with everyone, or him hanging out on the boat. It makes me laugh just thinking about it and this will forever bring a smile to my face. Walker had that adorable little face that you couldn’t help but feel happy and talk to him as he stared back at you.
Walker you were the life of the party and brought the best out in your Daddy and his friends 🙂

I only met Walker once for the length of a weekend, but that was enough time to realize he was a pretty rad dog. Friendly, attentive, full of energy and well-behaved even as a puppy. I don’t know what else could have been asked.
He has friends nationwide mourning this week.
Dan

I had the luxury of living down the street from Walker so I got to spend a lot of time with him over the last year. He was an awesome dog and loved to just be your friend. The night the Celtics clinched the NBA championship, Walker was there cheering and enjoying the moment with Kevin and I. That is truly one night and one Dog I will never forget!

Elvis (4 year old Golden) and Walker only met once. This was due to a little tumble they got into, which ended with “Kevin, are you watching this too?” At this point Walker was demonstrating his superpowers and started literally climbing the chain link fence. Maybe the two could have got along a little better, but then we would have never known about Walker’s secret skill.

I’ll never forget all the times you stayed at my house when your dad was gone. You would wake up at the crack of dawn to start to play with Jack. You guys wouldnt stop until you were worn out laying on your sides barely able to still paw at each other. And I’ll never forget all the kisses you gave when your dad wasn’t looking, those were my favorite. I miss you so much buddy.

Wow, Walker was one very loved dog. In all the pictures I’ve seen, he’s actually smiling–that’s so amazing. Just wanted you to know that I’m thinking of you and hoping that your sadness is replaced by happy memories in the months to come. You are a true, compassionate, animal lover; I hope you consider adopting another dog who’s waiting for you … not that he’ll replace Walker, but will help heal your broken heart.

Shawn – thank you for putting this blog together. I know it means a lot to Kev.

Kevin truly raised Walker like one would a child. The many hours that he spent training him and looking after him. I never realized an animal needed so much care. He was such a great dog because of Kevin’s time and effort in raising him.

The one story that I will never forget is the time when Walker was a puppy and Kev and I were walking with him to Daryl’s boat. Every girl that drove or walked by would stop and stare. Not surprisingly they were not looking at Kev or I, but they were going crazy for Walker.

Had another funny memory of Walker that came to my mind last night. As part of my Halloween costume this year I borrowed my boss’s Doll from when she was little. Throughout the party I would feel a tug at my hand, and there Walker was wanting to play tug a war with the doll! By accident I left the doll at the house that night. Well I went by a few days later to pick up the Doll and I was given back a naked doll in one hand, and a diaper and clothes in the other hand! The diaper had little teeth marks in it. Was that you Walker? Don’t worry buddy I got the diaper and clothes back on the doll and returned it with out anyone knowing. Just as long as you had fun playing tug-a-war with the doll!

Kevin, you don’t know me – my mom works closely with yours. I casually asked about your mom the other day and how she is doing, and she told me what happened and how sad everyone is and I couldn’t stop thinking about it all day. We have a dog, and it really hit home for all of us at our home. We could hardly talk about it ourselves. I hope as the days pass, you find comfort in knowing that what happened to Walker is not your fault, nor should you feel any guilt over it. It’s just a very sad tragedy that I hope you overcome sooner than later. I agree that getting another dog would not replace your Walker, but maybe help mend your heart the way you let Walker help inspire you the way he did. God bless you and your whole family. My prayers are with you and Walker.

Kevin, you don’t know me – my mom works closely with yours. I casually asked about your mom the other day and how she is doing, and she told me what happened and how sad everyone is and I couldn’t stop thinking about it all day. We have a dog, and it really hit home for all of us at our home. We could hardly talk about it ourselves. I hope as the days pass, you find comfort in knowing that what happened to Walker is not your fault, nor should you feel any guilt over it. It’s just a very sad tragedy that I hope you overcome sooner than later. I agree that getting another dog would not replace your Walker, but maybe help mend your heart the way you let Walker help inspire you the way he did. God bless you and your whole family. My prayers are with you and Walker.

Walker was with us only a short time, but he taught us all so much and brought us so much joy. From the first time you saw him you couldn’t help but fall in love with him. It was his personality that was irresistible. He loved being with people – anyone. He was always wanting to play fetch, tug of war with a rope, or just run after you in the yard. He also enjoyed jumping in the little swimming pool with Kelli, Owen, and Olivia. The kids got the biggest kick out of watching Walker splash around in their little pool. When Walker would arrive at our house, he would immediately give us a lick on the face, and then head right for the kitchen floor to hopefully find a crumb or two (especially when Kelli, Owen, and Olivia were eating, he knew he would also eat well). Then he would be excited to play with all of us. When it was time to leave, he would stand inside on the top step and just stay there until Kevin had to call him more than once and tell him it was time to go. He wanted to stay with everyone at the house and play a little longer. It was all Kevin’s love and devotion to Walker that made him the happy, happy dog that he was. Although his life was too short, it couldn’t have been a happier one. He left us doing what he loved to do – running in the park with all the other dogs and fetching sticks in the pond. Thanks for the tremendous joy you brought us, we will never forget you Walker.

I have to be honest- I was not a pet person. But I hung out with Walker a few times and he changed my mind. He was so friendly and lovable – I couldnt not like him. And his well-behaved manners are all because of his Dad!
Walker was here for such a short time – but left an ever lasting memory!

I only met Walker a few times, but he def. made a lasting impression on me. I remember how young he was when you brought him to my house, but he was so well behaved. And he played great with Owen, Kelli & Olivia. I know he was happy to have you as an owner and you were just as happy in return, having such a great companion.

Shawn, thank you for this page; Walker and I both greatly appreciate it! I would also like to thank everyone else for their comments. Every one of your comments has meaning to me and helps with the grieving process.

Walker was very special to me. He wasn’t “just a dog”, but he was a family member. Very few people or animals have made such a significant and positive impact on my life in such a short time frame. Not only did he teach me a handful of life lessons, he would put at least one smile on my face every day that I saw him…that alone is priceless!!
I have so many wonderful stories to share that I can’t pick a single one (such as the toy fire engine story). I will say though that in the moments before Walker passed he was as happy as I have ever seen him! I will never forget the happy and confident trot he had on his way to the swamp.

As painful as it is, I know that the healing process will take time. No matter how much time that does pass, I will never forget you Walker. It is better to have loved than to not have loved at all…

Kevin,
Barely having met Walker, he left such a nice feeling inside me that I had mentioned him to others a few times after meeting him. He was a great friend to you; a family member and I am so sorry for your loss. I am just a bit happy though that you had this year to grow and learn from each other, with each other.

I know I have multiple posts already but I keep thinking of stories that make me smile so I want to pass them along.

I was thinking tonight of how I stopped by my parents house one night while Kevin was away and they were watching Walker. I walked in to find my mother ‘getting Walker ready for bed’. I didn’t realize dogs had a bed-time routine! In fact, I am not sure many dogs do. I already new that she enjoyed Walker but it was at that moment I new she was hooked!

A second story, but first some background. Growing up we new that my father didn’t always have good luck with animals. If you lived in our neighborhood, you may know this b/c he used to go for walks with a large stick in his hand just in case a stray animal came his way. I don’t think any of us were quite sure how he would be with Kevin’s new puppy. However, it was our father who was constantly walking Walker around the back yard at their house or playing chase with him. That was the point that I new he was hooked!

Walker had that quality about him. You just couldn’t help but love him. Not only did he bring a smile to your face Kevin, but those around you too.

Wow, it really says a lot about a person or a dog, when somebody has actually taken the time to set up a blog, and so many people have contributed their memories and comments to this!
We are the breeders of Walker, and even from when he and his littermates were little, Walker stood out not only because of his fawn colouring but also his outgoing and friendly personality. If memory serves me right, he was the first pup in the litter to toddle out of his kennel to inspect the world. The other littermates also turned out to be awesome dogs, according to the people who bought them – but Walker will always be a little more extra special in our hearts.
We are grateful to Kevin for giving Walker such a wonderful life. Walker’s untimely passing didnt make sense…but his life certainly did.

Kevin,
I always found it so adorable the way Walker would ride around with you in your truck, sitting there loyally, so happy and content to be with his person, his dad. His story teaches us to appreciate and love our animals, and our people, every day.